CAG Uncovers Massive Irregularities in Greater Noida Farmhouse Plot Allotments

A recent, damning report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has cast a long shadow over the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority's (GNIDA) land allocation practices, specifically highlighting widespread irregularities in the allotment of 1,720 farmhouse plots. The audit, spanning from 2011 to 2020, reveals a troubling pattern of deviations from established Uttar Pradesh government policies and even directives from the High Court, raising serious questions about transparency, accountability, and potential financial ramifications.

The CAG's findings paint a concerning picture.

One of the most glaring issues identified is the method of allotment itself. Instead of the mandated open auction, many of these lucrative plots were handed out through different, less transparent schemes. Furthermore, the audit criticizes GNIDA for fixing the sale prices of these plots unilaterally, a power that, according to the report, rests solely with the government.

This deviation alone sparks concerns about potential undervaluation and lost revenue for the state exchequer.

Digging deeper, the report points to a critical lapse in the 2011 scheme for farmhouse allotments: a complete absence of eligibility criteria for applicants. This astonishing oversight could have allowed virtually anyone to apply, opening doors to favoritism and a lack of fair competition.

Additionally, the audit revealed that large swathes of agricultural land were converted into farmhouse plots without obtaining the necessary approvals from the state government, a move that potentially violates land use regulations and environmental norms.

The irregularities don't stop there. The CAG also found instances where GNIDA issued completion certificates for these farmhouses without ensuring the availability of essential amenities.

This could leave plot owners in the lurch, struggling with a lack of basic infrastructure, and points to a failure in oversight and due diligence on the authority's part. The overarching theme of the report is a profound lack of transparency and accountability throughout the entire allotment process.

The critical audit report has since been submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government and was formally tabled in the state legislature, ensuring public scrutiny of these serious allegations.

While GNIDA officials have responded by citing a policy framework established in 2011 as the basis for their actions, they have also acknowledged the audit's findings and indicated that a follow-up action plan is being prepared. This suggests an acceptance, at least in part, of the issues raised by the CAG.

The implications of these irregularities are far-reaching.

Beyond the immediate concerns of financial losses to the public exchequer due to potentially undervalued sales, there are significant environmental considerations arising from the unauthorized conversion of agricultural land. Most importantly, the audit undermines public trust in the integrity of land allocation processes and highlights the urgent need for stringent reforms to ensure fairness, transparency, and adherence to legal frameworks in future developmental projects across the region.